Campgrounds in NorCal
As an outdoorsy single dad with two young kids, I am always looking for new adventures and experiences to share with them. Finding a van-accessible campsite that’s not a dustbowl and does not need to be reserved 6 month ahead has proven more challenging than I initially thoughts. Here is list of spots I looked into and plan on going visiting in the future
Pipi Campground
Located in Eldorado National Forrest just North of Hwy 88, Pipi campground is located right by the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River, a small but refreshing streams offering several swimming holes
Pipi Campground
Silver Lake East Campground
New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton SB
Located just south of Santa Cruz, New Brighton state beach is between Capitola beach to the North and Sea Cliff to the south. There is a day use section, the campground is at the top of the ocre cliffs and offers gorgeous views of the ocean
Pinecrest
Letts Lake Campground
Quite remote and accessible only to 4x4 as of March 2024. Letts Lake is West of Stonyford in the Mendocino National Forest
Letts Lake Campground
Lake Alpine West Shore
[Lake Alpine Campground}(https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10005253)
Morning Star Lake Campground
Morning Star Lake
Big Reservoir Campground
Online Reservations
Campgrounds are managed by different entities depending on their location. As far as I know, there is no single website that covers all campgrounds. I have found that Google Maps does a good job pointing at the right reservation website.